The new OS has minimalistic system requirements of only 3 GB of space (of which the system itself uses less than 2 GB of), 128 MB of RAM, and a 400 MHz processor. Recommended stats for a decently fast system are around 256 MB of RAM, a 1 GHz Pentium III.

Walmart is gOS's major corporate backer. Walmart carried Good OS-produced laptop Everex gPC with the previous version of gOS since November. The bargain laptop carries a highly attractive price tag of $199, which makes it a viable EeePC alternative. Good OS also offer several other g-line laptop models, available directly or from online retailers, including some slightly pricier models.

Good OS announced that it will refresh its entire laptop line in early 2008.

Good OS brings both old and new features to the table with the gOS. The OS has a dock, which bears a bit of an uncanny resemblance to Apple's OS X dock, and is ironically dubbed the iBar. The OS also offers an online storage drive via Box.net.

Google is heavily represented in the OS and contributed a number of applications and utilities that enrich it. Google Reader, Talk, and Finance shortcuts are provided on the desktop. The device also utilizes "Google Gears" a new synchronization technology from Google that allows web applications to be used when offline. Google also contributes an attractive search bar to the OS.

Simultaneous with the "Rocket" launch, Good OS released a new gOS compatible web camera dubbed gCam. The device integrates with a built in web app from Good OS called gBooth. The web cam includes special effects and gBooth allows it to be used to easily share photos online, on sites such as Facebook. The gCam is manufactured by Good OS partner, Ezonics.

The gOS is available online immediately for free download, while the gCam is expected to retail at about $20.

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problem with that is that by its very nature linux is easily custom-tailored post-install.. making different flavors doesn't really make much sense when you can make all flavors fit on one disc.

maybe make different install options from the initially installer screen, or simply install the base system first then when the basic desktop environment comes up immediately give easy questions like "how will this computer be used?" and give install options for components there..

Yes, yes it is. But in order to be a mainstream OS, especially one being sold out of a friggin walmart--if only I had a nickel for everytime I walked through a walmart and was overwhelmed by the thought that I was surrounded by superior intelligence--this thing has to actually do just the opposite. The only thing it must do is run a few baseline required applications and have a big yellow sticker on it with the support desk hotline for when they want to know why their new computer won't run the latest version of BuckHunter for PC.

All stereotypes aside, you do make some really good points and they are thoughts I've seen elsewhere around the 'net too. Looks like those marketers are really earning that cash by doing in-depth customer analyses. If these companies sold to specific segments instead of trying to cross-pollinate and create this frankenware that are jacks of all trades, masters of none then there could be as much as 64% less consumer confusion (statistics gathered from market research firms). Most people don't use half the crap their OS comes installed with, so give them the option of not having to install it upfront instead of being so kind and generous as to allow them to uninstall it after the fact and after they've had to read a tech tutorial on how to do so. I've long yearned for the day when I can say goodbye to Windows on my own desktop and it looks like it's getting close but there's still a ways to go.

"A politician stumbles over himself... Then they pick it out. They edit it. He runs the clip, and then he makes a funny face, and the whole audience has a Pavlovian response." -- Joe Scarborough on John Stewart over Jim Cramer